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Crispy Birds Nest Cookies

Crispy Birds Nest Cookies - featured image

These easy Easter treats feature crispy chow mein noodles, toasted coconut, and candy-coated chocolate eggs for a festive, crunchy, and chewy cookie that’s perfect for spring gatherings or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups crispy chow mein noodles (canned)
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (toasted)
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (optional)
  • 36 candy-coated chocolate eggs (such as Cadbury Mini Eggs or M&M’s)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5–7 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat in 15-second intervals until smooth and fully melted. (Alternatively, melt gently over simmering water using a double boiler, stirring until smooth.) If mixture is too thick, add 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter.
  4. Place chow mein noodles and toasted coconut in a large mixing bowl. Pour melted chocolate mixture over noodles and coconut.
  5. Gently toss with a spatula until evenly coated, keeping noodles chunky for best crunch.
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of mixture onto sheet.
  7. Use clean fingers or the back of a spoon to gently press a small indentation in the center of each cookie, forming a nest shape. If mixture doesn’t hold together, add a bit more melted chocolate or peanut butter.
  8. While nests are still soft, press 2–3 candy-coated chocolate eggs into the center of each cookie.
  9. Let nests cool and set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for 15 minutes).
  10. Once fully set, transfer nests to a wire rack to finish cooling and crisping up.
  11. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

Toast coconut for extra flavor and color. Shape nests while mixture is warm for best results. For gluten-free, use pretzel sticks or crispy rice noodles. Peanut butter is optional but helps nests hold together. Store cookies in an airtight container; add eggs just before serving for freshest look. If mixture is too dry, add more melted chocolate or peanut butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter, bird's nest cookies, coconut, chow mein noodles, chocolate eggs, spring dessert, kid-friendly, no bake, easy cookies